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The virus, prion and viroid don't meet the definition of alive which is:

  • Movement: All living things move in some way.
  • Respiration: Respiration is a chemical reaction that happens within cells to release energy from food.
  • Sensitivity: The ability to detect changes in the environment.
  • Growth: All living things grow.
  • Reproduction: The ability to reproduce and pass genetic information onto their offspring.
  • Excretion: Getting rid of waste.
  • Nutrition: The intake and use of nutrients.

All living things do all of these things. Viruses make use of living cells.

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If something can not yet reproduce but will be able to in the future can it be considered alive?

No, something that cannot reproduce yet cannot be considered alive according to the biological definition of life. Reproduction is a fundamental characteristic of living organisms.


Which of the following could not br alive because it does not displays reproductions?

An organism that does not reproduce cannot be considered alive, as reproduction is one of the key characteristics of living things. For example, a virus, while it can replicate within a host, does not reproduce on its own and thus is often debated regarding its status as a living entity. Therefore, any entity that lacks the ability to reproduce would not be classified as alive.


What is the main reason why a nonliving thing cannot be considered alive?

Nonliving things lack the ability to grow, reproduce, adapt to their environment, and respond to stimuli like living organisms do. They also do not have metabolic processes or the capacity for evolution.


Does the fact that an embryo contains DNA prove that it is a living being?

No, it means that it has the potential to be alive. I think that for something to be considered alive, then it must be able to move, reproduce, sense, grow, reproduce, excrete and rely on nutrients for its survival. (note: that's just my opinion)


Why are caterpillars considered living things?

Caterpillars are considered living things because they exhibit biological characteristics of life. They grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, and require energy to sustain their metabolic processes. They are composed of cells, exhibit organization, and can adapt to their environment, all of which are characteristics of living organisms.

Related Questions

If something can not yet reproduce but will be able to in the future can it be considered alive?

No, something that cannot reproduce yet cannot be considered alive according to the biological definition of life. Reproduction is a fundamental characteristic of living organisms.


Which of the following could not br alive because it does not displays reproductions?

An organism that does not reproduce cannot be considered alive, as reproduction is one of the key characteristics of living things. For example, a virus, while it can replicate within a host, does not reproduce on its own and thus is often debated regarding its status as a living entity. Therefore, any entity that lacks the ability to reproduce would not be classified as alive.


Are bacteria and mold alive?

yes, they are living things because they grow and reproduce.


Virusers are not considered alives because they lack what?

Viruses are not considered alive because they lack the ability to reproduce unless they have a host to reproduce for them. When viruses are not attache to a living cell they lose all living characteristics.


What makes something be alive?

Biological organisms are considered alive if they exhibit certain characteristics, including the ability to grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, maintain homeostasis, and undergo metabolic processes. These attributes help differentiate living things from non-living entities.


Can a tornado reproduce?

No. Tornadoes do not reproduce. They are not alive.


Is h2o alive?

No, water (H2O) is not alive. Living organisms, such as plants, animals, and bacteria, have cellular structures, can grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, and exhibit other characteristics of life, which water does not possess. Water is essential for life, but it is not considered a living organism.


How do guppies reproduce?

They reproduce by mating.


What is the definition of non-living things?

Things which are not alive, which do not have the characteristics of living things: the ability to grow, the need to be nourished, the ability to reproduce.


Do all things have to move to be alive?

No, not all living things have to move to be considered alive. For example, plants are considered alive but many of them are rooted in one place and do not move. Movement is just one characteristic that some living things possess.


What is a reason that something might not be considered science?

1 obvious way is if it can move. others would be like: can it produce heat/cold, if it is alive/dead, if it can reproduce, if it can take in energy from the sun or other things, it you can see it, etc.


What is the main reason why a nonliving thing cannot be considered alive?

Nonliving things lack the ability to grow, reproduce, adapt to their environment, and respond to stimuli like living organisms do. They also do not have metabolic processes or the capacity for evolution.